BI1474, Ecology for landscape architects, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-LT, 2025-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Biology, Landscape Architecture

Subject

Interdisciplinarity

Biology Area

Ecology

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge of basic ecological concepts and questions, as well as knowledge of applications and approaches relevant to the professional practice of landscape architects.

After completing the course, students will be able to:

• Describe different perspectives on the human relationship with other species and how this affects societal values.
• Explain fundamental concepts and processes related to population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, landscape ecology, and soil biology.
• Explain the significance of natural and anthropogenic environmental changes for ecological processes and biodiversity.
• Design nature-based solutions with a focus on soil–plant systems.
• Use strategies and tools to create and preserve ecological values and functions.

Content

The course integrates basic theory on ecological processes and principles with a broad orientation in applications and approaches relevant to landscape architects working at various scales and stages.

The landscape architect’s role in ecological issues is contextualized through awareness of different perspectives on the human relationship with other species. This relationship is problematized in terms of societal values, regulations, and tools. Threats to biodiversity and ecological processes are discussed both nationally and globally.

The course introduces fundamental ecological principles, including natural selection, organisms’ adaptations to their environments, and population density, distribution, and growth. It also covers energy and matter flows in ecosystems, focusing on how these influence and are influenced by the structure and composition of plant and animal communities.

These foundational concepts and principles form a basis for understanding the role of the landscape in ecological processes. Both natural and human-induced processes and disturbances affecting plant and animal communities over time are addressed. Furthermore, the course discusses how landscape architects can contribute to maintaining and enhancing ecological functions at different scales. The concept of nature-based solutions is made concrete through reference projects and shorter applied exercises focusing on soil–plant interactions and how organisms and various factors regulate decomposition and humus formation.

The course provides an introduction to landscape ecology and examines how the composition of different landscape elements affects population sizes, species persistence, and biodiversity. The basic principles are linked to urban planning and to understanding sites within a landscape-ecological context.

The teaching includes lectures, literature studies, short applied exercises, and reviews of reference projects.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved written examination, active participation in seminars and presentations, and approved assignments.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Ecology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Landskapsarkitektprogrammet - Uppsala

The Course Replaces

BI1349